Ray Davis Understood he was a Student-Athlete and not an Athlete-Student

Vicky Graff Photo

Running back Ray Davis had a record-setting season for Kentucky with 20 touchdowns and 120 points — he also led the Southeastern Conference in scoring — but the Vanderbilt transfer also managed to complete a second degree.

He graduated from Vanderbilt in 2022 with a degree in communications studies. Now he has completed an undergraduate certificate in business at Kentucky.

“Being a student-athlete is difficult for anybody,” said Davis. “You have practice and meetings but there are times you have to study two or three hours after practice or maybe cram in a quiz on a bus ride coming back from a game.

“I know sports will not last forever. Then it comes back to the degree you have. That is real life. When you get into the real world and it is time to work a big boy job that is when you fall back on your degree and work you did in college.

“It’s called student-athlete, not athlete-student. You just have to keep reminding yourself of that.”

Davis has also enjoyed certain NIL benefits but made sure to include his offensive linemen in some of his perks

Davis found time to be involved in several community projects. He shared his experience at a Frankfort middle school where he tried to provide motivation and advice on life.

“Not everything is easy but I told them do not let anyone take away your dreams of what you can do,” he said.

He’s worked with the humane society and him and other players have been part of charity food drives.

“A lot of guys know they want to be part of this community and want to help out however they can,” Davis said. “When you are a football player there is usually an overall perception of how people view you but you always want them to know you gave your all not only on the field but also off the field.”